New York City Council Member Featured in American Jewish Committee Thanksgiving Booklet
November 10, 2005 - New York - City Council Member Eric Gioia is one of eight diverse and accomplished American community leaders featured in this year's edition of America's Table®, published by the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Since 2002, Mr. Gioia has represented Queens District 26 on the New York City Council and was recently re-elected for a third term with 84% of the votes.
America's Table®, available for Thanksgiving dinner tables across the country, is an American Jewish Committee initiative that celebrates the diversity of American society. The booklet succinctly sets forth the American story and recognizes the importance of all Americans, regardless of ethnicity or faith, in creating and perpetuating an America that lives up to our founding ideals of freedom, justice and opportunity for all.
AJC's New York Chapter, in partnership with the New York Immigration Coalition, is hosting an event that will bring together members of the diverse communities that contribute to America's promise. The program will feature reflections from community leaders on their American journeys, their backgrounds, struggles and triumphs as they work to ensure America's future. This year's speakers include City Council Member Eric Gioia; Moises Perez, Executive Director of Alianza Dominicana; and Bryan Pu-Folkes, Executive Director of New Immigrant Community Empowerment.
The program not only honors the achievements of current leaders, but also communicates the importance of instilling civic values in our young people, preparing them to perpetuate the free and democratic society we all cherish. Aliyah Ansari, valedictorian of Park West High School and participant in AJC's Hands Across the Campus program will speak about her American experience as the child of immigrants, and her hopes and challenges as a future leader. Hands Across the Campus is an AJC program that reinforces democratic principles and trains young leaders to transform them into action.
Eric Gioia derived his belief in the power of encouraging students to participate in civic society from first-hand experience. As a junior high school student, he was captivated by the idea of a career in public service by an encounter with then Governor Mario Cuomo. Says Gioia, "I visit every public school in my district every year and speak. There could be some kid sitting there who goes on to do something great."
Gioia and the other speakers will celebrate America's diverse roots and shared values on Tuesday, November 15 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM at the New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West.
America's Table® is published by the American Jewish Committee in cooperation with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Council of La Raza, the National Urban League, the National Conference for Community and Justice, the Cuban American National Council, the Islamic Supreme Council of America, the Japanese American Citizens League, the New America Alliance, the Organization of Chinese Americans and the Korean-American Jewish-American Council.
Date: 11/10/2005
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